How to Clean Rust Off a Bike

Constance BarkerUpdated February 21, 2017

Bicycles can rust from moisture that remains on the chrome or paint. Bikes that are left outside develop rust stains quickly; if the rust is not removed, it will eat through the metal. Remove rust stains soon after discovering them and your bike can look almost as good as new.

Run warm water into a bucket and put on rubber gloves.

Spray the rusted areas on the bike with a metal polish. This lubricates and loosens the rust.

Rub the rusted areas on the bike with a steel wool pad. Rub up and down on the rusted areas instead of in a circular motion. Keep spraying the metal polish on the rusted areas as you continue to clean.

Dip the steel wool into the bucket of water to rinse off bits of rust from the pad. Continue rubbing until you remove all traces of rust from the bike.

Wash the bike with warm sudsy water and rinse off with a garden hose. Dry the bike with a clean towel.

Spray a polish such as Amor All or Pledge onto an old rag or soft cloth and buff the entire bike, concentrating more on the areas where rust was removed from the bike.

Tip

Keep bikes in an enclosed area to avoid moisture accumulating on the bike's surface. Dry the bike with a towel if it becomes wet.

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Barker, Constance. (2017, May 13). How to Clean Rust Off a Bike. . Retrieved from http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6305562_clean-rust-off-bike.html

Barker, Constance. "How to Clean Rust Off a Bike" last modified May 13, 2017. http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6305562_clean-rust-off-bike.html

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About the Author

Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.